Spill on I-5 snarls morning traffic north of I-205

View full sizeTualatin Valley Fire and RescueTVF&R is cleaning up a spill on I-5 North just north of the northbound I-205 on ramp.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue is cleaning up a spill on I-5, just north of the northbound I-205 on ramp. The spill has obstructed traffic and alternate routes are suggested.

TVF&R spokesman Brian Barker said a truck carrying 1,000 gallons of concentrated fertilizer rear-ended another vehicle, which shifted the truck's tank and caused the liquid to pour onto the highway. Officials estimate that about 800 gallons of fertilizer spilled and began spreading downhill.

The agency received a call about the spill from the Oregon Department of Transportation shortly after 8 a.m. TVF&R sent two crews to the scene and is working with ODOT, Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the company that owns the truck to evaluate and coordinate the clean up.

Barker said crews have been able to contain the liquid, and although the hazardous materials team were among the responders, there is no risk of harm to passersby.